The Norwegian Forest cat is a brilliant Feline species native to Northern Europe. They are well-suited to their environment and thrive in cooler temperatures and have an ancient lineage that can be traced back to the Vikings (and beyond). This strong, sturdy and intelligent breed is similar to the Northern American Maine Coon. They are bigger than the average house cat and are built for endurance in often-harsh climates. The breed is said to trace its roots back to the Vikings around 1000 AD. They also may have ties to Crusaders returning from Jerusalem. As the breed interbred with feral cats, they morphed into the Norwegian Forest cat primarily seen today. It’s possible that these remarkable animals served on Viking war ships hunting mice and keeping often deadly diseases away from the crew. They have an amazing hunting ability, and served on farms for hunting rodents as well. The breed suffered near extinction due to the incursions of World War II but has flourished ever since an official breeding program was started in 1938. This cat was only known in Norway until mid-1970 when it gained official recognition. Norwegian Forest cats are now flourishing in Europe and North America, and in a typical year over 400 births to the breed are celebrated.

Physical Characteristics
The Norwegian Forest cat does not contain a lot of the sleek and smaller characteristics that are commonly found in domesticated housecats. They’re built a lot sturdier and have incredibly thick, water repellant coats that allow them to survive in incredibly cold climates. They also have characteristically bushy tails. The body is longer than the typical house-cat, and they have markedly long legs as well that contribute to their out-of-the-ordinary climbing ability. They have a remarkably long head/face shape that is often compared to a triangle. The ears have a noted tuft at the tip and are wide at the base. They are fabled to be able to climb cliffs by the strength of their claws alone, and many legends have been built upon this cat’s ability to climb impossible seeming surfaces. They are even able to scale rocks that normal cats would not be able to conquer.

Behavior and Temperament
Norwegian Forest cats are incredibly compatible with human companionship. Usually soft-spoken, they may become more vocal when sharing a house with a dog. They are extremely intelligent and love to play and demonstrate their hunting abilities. While these cats are usually found outdoors, they can adapt to a primarily indoor life, given the correct amount of attention, affection and enrichment. Expect to feed a Norwegian Forest cat more than the average breed. Their larger bone structure and musculature requires more nutrition than the average cat, and this need for nourishment can cause an unexpected strain on the owner’s finances if it comes as a surprise. This is a breed that is full of notable energy. They also require a lot of attention in order to be considered stable, healthy and happy.

Health Concerns
Norwegian Forest cats have a moderate but average lifespan and typically live to be between 14-16 years when properly cared for. They are notorious for certain genetic dispositions such as kidney and/or heart disease due to certain genetic markers within the breed. Norwegian Forest cats are also genetically predisposed to Glycogen Storage Disease type IV, which can be fatal if not treated properly. This disease can be detected in DNA testing – and a lot of reputable breeders require DNA testing before an animal is free to breed. Due to their large bone structure, they may also be susceptible to hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders will check for these genetic dispositions prior to breeding and will often test the litter for health issues prior to their release for sale or adoption.

The Norwegian Forest cat is a companionable and intelligent breed. By giving them the proper amount of attention and affection these beautiful cats can be guaranteed to enjoy a long and happy life.

Known for its distinctive fur and its country-wide popularity, the Abyssinian cat has become a happy addition to many homes, and seems to be poised to arrive at many more.

Origins
While rumors of the Abyssinian commonly trace back to Ethiopia, this cat’s origins remain unclear. Genetic and DNA testing have traced this popular breed to the Indian Ocean or even Egypt, although its name originates from Ethiopia. Although its origins remain uncertain, the breed was developed over time in Egypt, where it is believed the British colonists purchased the distinct animal from traders. Wild versions of the Abyssinian cat still roam the northern parts of Africa, and this breed is said to date back potentially thousands of years.

Features and Characteristics
The Abyssinian cat is most notable for its coat. This distinctive coat can be traced back to a single mutant gene known as the “ta”. To the touch, the hair is dense and extremely silky. Appearance, however, is what set this cat’s fur apart from the others. Each hair on their bodies has multicolored bands surrounding it that compliment and accentuate the single base color. There are many different color variations within the Abyssinian community, and Abyssinian kittens usually begin darker at birth before growing into their lighter, final color as they mature.

The Abyssinian is also known for its large and prominent ears, which always seem to be on high alert. The rest of the head is wide and shaped like a wedge. The Abyssinian’s tail is longer than most other cat breeds as well, and it tapers to a very narrow point at the end. Abyssinian cats are also surprisingly strong and nimble which takes some owners by surprise since their bone structure appears incredibly fine and dainty. They also commonly have “frown lines” appearing above the bridge of the nose and the eyes which most notably forms a very distinctive “m” shape.

Behavior and Temperament
You couldn’t ask for a more intelligent and interactive breed. Abyssinian cats are well-known for their curiosity and their playful spirit, and they’re very apt to learn quickly and easily. These cats are not known for serious snuggle time – they’re more often than not up and about, constantly exploring their surroundings with a curiosity that is usually breed-wide. Many Abyssinians are even known to play fetch when given the opportunity.

These cats spend so much time interacting and exploring their environment that they often don’t receive the affection and attention from their human companions that they need. They can slip into depression when the interaction with humans is limited and they need a lot of positive reinforcement and encouragement to remain happy and stable inside their surroundings.

Health Concerns
Because Abyssinian cats are short-haired cats, they require very little in terms of grooming so they are easily cared for. While they may occasionally require a bath, it is not the norm. Brushing semi-regularly may be advisable, and a regular brushing can accentuate their unusual coats even further. Their teeth, however, need to receive special care and it is highly suggested by veterinarians that they are brushed more regularly than they are bathed. Although rare, Renal Amyloidosis has also been found in certain Abyssinian cats, so having their health (especially their kidney functions) checked regularly is also advisable.

The Abyssinian cat is the perfectly suited cat to practically any environment. By maintaining external stimulation and engaging these intelligent and beautiful cats, you can guarantee a world of entertainment for your cat and for your family.

If you’re looking for an affectionate, caring and beautiful breed of cat to add to your family, look no further than the Scottish Fold. With a prestigious heritage and a lifetime of pleasure for your family, this breed is a perfect addition to a cat-loving household and it easily provides a lifetime of enjoyment, fulfillment and affection.

Breed History
The Scottish Fold, named for its peculiar yet adorable folded ears, was first noticed in 1961 by a Scottish Shepherd. He took notice of a cat on a neighboring farm because of its “folded” ears – a birth trait that is made possible by a dominant gene within the cartilage of the ears – creating a folded, shortened appearance. As the shepherd continued to investigate, he realized that the breed was not formerly known. When he adopted a “folded” cat from his neighbor’s litter and later produced two “folded” kittens himself, he attempted to gain recognition for the breed but encountered resistance. The breed was officially recognized by the CFA in 1973, later receiving the coveted champion status in 1978.

Characteristics
The ears of a Scottish Fold cat fold down and forwards but the ears remain fully functional. They’re able to tilt and swivel in a typical feline fashion – and can even be laid flat against the head when expressing anger. The gene that causes this unique fold is a dominant trait. In order to produce Scottish Fold offspring, at least one parent must have the unique folded ear. Scottish Fold interbreeding leads to an increased chance of skeletal deformities. Like all other breeds of cat, continually inbreeding produces a higher chance of genetic problems that can lead to more serious medical conditions throughout the life of the cat.

Potential Breed Problems
When Scottish Folds are interbred, they have a high likelihood of skeletal problems as well as an increased risk for congenital osteodystrophy which enlarges and distorts the underlying bone structure. If your cat exhibits difficulty in moving or unusual density of the bones, you will need to have your cat checked by a certified veterinarian. This often presents itself as an unusual thickness in the tail or the legs.

While all Fold cats eventually acquire the trait-specific folded ear, they are not born that way. Scottish Fold kittens are originally born with straight ears. The fold appears about 3-4 weeks after birth. The unusual and characteristic fold can also lead to almost-inevitable ear problems such as increased wax buildup or dirt. The cats are also just as likely to have problems with ear mites as other cat breeds, and owners should watch carefully for signs of an ear infection due to improper or irregular cleaning. While early cat bred studies led researchers to believe that Fold cats were susceptible to deafness, this is no longer thought to be true.

Personality
Scottish Folds are easily adaptable to new or changing environments. They are typically very sweet, affectionate and loving. They are not very vocal, and tend to be extremely quiet and observant animals. While they will demonstrate affection towards multiple people, they do have a tendency to single out one family member and bond with them exclusively on a deeper level. They love attention, but don’t want to be forced into it. They want to choose when to receive attention, and they will often go to their “chosen” human to receive it – becoming almost like a shadow to the one person that they uniquely bond with. Scottish Folds are highly intelligent and curious animals that like to explore in a safe environment where they feel loved and protected.

While they appreciate a close relationship with their family and others, they aren’t incredibly fond of being held and they certainly can’t be classified as “clingy” or “whiny”. They’d much prefer to sit next to you while you go about your daily activities rather than being held on a lap or in your arms. They are also incredibly playful and can easily learn to play fetch or play with other cat toys. Their playful and inquisitive nature will continue throughout their lifetimes, and it’s not likely to dissipate once they reach adulthood.

Caring for the Scottish Fold
Folds, especially long-haired breeds need to be regularly maintained in order to achieve maximum health. They need to be regularly brushed – at least once a week. Their ears also need to be regularly cleaned and examined for wax build up or ear mites. Scottish Fold cats need to be washed occasionally with a good, high-quality cat shampoo. Their diet needs to be high in nutrients like vitamins and protein. The most important aspect of caring for a Scottish Fold is to be sure to shower them with lots and lots of love, exercise and playful affection.

Perhaps the world’s most bizarre feline, the Sphynx cat has a unique hairless look that sets it apart from other cats. But that’s not all. It’s a rather rare and unusual breed of cat, and has been described to feel like a warm suede hot water bottle. These cats need special care, but all the extra time and effort you dedicate to taking care of this cat will be well worth it. Their loving, playful and inquisitive nature makes them a wonderful cat to have around and call your own.

Breed History
Although it gets its name from the ancient Great Sphinx of Giza, Sphynx cats are a relatively new breed. There have been a number of occurrences of these hairless cats being born throughout history. But the Sphnyx cat first came to be well-recognized in the year 1966 in Canada when a domestic cat in Toronto gave birth to a hairless kitten. This was considered to be the result of a natural genetic mutation. From there, cats with the mutation were bred to give rise to the Sphynx breed. In 1970 the line became extinct due to the belief that the mutation caused health issues and breathing difficulties in the cats. But this did not spell the end to this breed. Before long, in 1975, a cat in Minnesota, named Jezebel, gave birth to a hairless kitten. The kitten was sold to a local breeder who revived the Sphynx breed by expanding and strengthening the gene pool. After many years of careful breeding, now Sphynx cats are a varied and genetically sound breed, though still rare. In 2002, the Cat Fancier’s Association accepted the cat breed for competition in the Championship Class.

Physical Characteristics
The most obvious feature of the Sphynx cat is its lack of hair. Although they are known as the “hairless” cats, they actually have warm peach fuzz fur on their bodies, especially on their nose, toes and tail. They may or may not have whiskers and eyebrows. They have long, lean bodies and a rounded abdomen. They possess characteristically large triangular ears, large paw pads and their tail is long and slender. The skin of a Sphynx cat is wrinkled, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns, including Siamese point patterns. An adult Sphynx cat normally weighs around 8 to 15 pounds, and male cats can be up to 25% bigger than their female counterparts.

Personality & Temperament
Sphynx cats are an inquisitive breed that likes to be the center of attention and love being handled and cuddled. They are intelligent cats that are agile, playful and sweet-tempered. They have a sense of adventure and mischief that make them fun to be around. They love human companionship, and will follow humans around the house. Sphynx cats are not for people who want a quiet, docile cat. They fit in well in homes with children, dogs or other cats. Oh, and these extroverts like to show off with their acrobatic tricks as well. So it’s probably a good thing that these cheeky felines are kept indoors for the most part.

Common Medical Problems
Sphynx cats have few health or genetic problems, and have a normal lifespan. They are generally considered to be a very robust breed. But they do still face some problems unique to their physical nature, most of which have to do with their hairlessness. During their 1st few weeks of life, Sphynx kittens are susceptible to respiratory infections. Sphynx cat breeders usually don’t allow kittens to move to new homes until they are at least 12 weeks old so they’re ready to handle a new environment. These hairless cats are also prone to sunburn and skin cancer, so it’s important that their sun exposure is limited. They are also susceptible to the cold, so care needs to be taken to keep this indoor cat nice and warm.

Sphynx cats also have sensitive digestive systems, particularly in that they are small. They can develop severe diarrhea after using medication or being fed diets that contain less than 80% protein. They can also acquire common feline illnesses, and are immunized just as other cat breeds are.

Hereditary myopathy (spasticity) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are two genetic conditions that are found in this breed, with the latter being more common. HCM refers to a thickening of the left ventricle of the heart, and may not cause outward symptoms. Sphynx breeders are trying to eliminate this condition from the breed by scanning yearly and removing positive cats from their breeding program.

Special Care & Maintenance
Because they lack the protection of a fur coat, a hairless Sphynx cat requires special care. It’s recommended that you give them a weekly bath to remove the buildup of oil and dust on their skin. Their hair follicles give off oil, but unlike other cats, they have no hair to absorb the oil, and so their skin can easily become greasy. Because they have sensitive skin that burns easily, a very hot bath should be avoided. A sphynx cat’s eyes and ears should also be cleaned weekly to remove any eye discharge or earwax. As they lack hair around their ears, it’s easy for dirt to enter.

Sphynx cats are vulnerable to the sun and cold, and are meant to be indoor cats. So exposure to the outdoors should be limited. They may be taken outside on occasion if they are heavily supervised and the weather is right for them. Generally, the temperature inside your house should be kept around 70 to 80 degrees fahrenheit.  Consider the Sphynx cat to be “naked” – if you would be cold naked, chances are that your cat is going to be too. You may need to clothe them during the winter.

Also, as their bodies are constantly working to keep themselves warm, their metabolism is higher than other cats so they need to be fed more food at meal times. Always place dry food out for your cat and add one or two servings of wet food each day. They need to be fed high quality food with a good balance of fat and protein.

So if you think the intelligent and companionable Sphynx cat is for you, then you can purchase them from Sphynx cat breeders. Expect to pay more for a hairless Sphynx cat than you would for another cat breed. Sphynx cat adoption is also available, and costs less than buying a newborn kitten.

If a cat that appears as though it has walked straight out of the wilderness and into civilization is what you want, then the Bengal cat fills that order. The Bengal cat is a hybrid breed produced by crossing the domestic cat with an Asian Leopard cat. The desire of such cross breeding is to produce a cat that looks wild, but has the temperament of a domestic cat.

Physical Body
The most distinct feature of the Bengal cat is its extremely soft, thick, and uniquely patterned coat. There are two distinct patterns recognized within the Bengal cat breed. Those are spotted and marbleized. The spotted coat is closest to its leopard ancestor, featuring leopard spots in varying shades of brown, rust, orange, sand, black, and gray. The marbleized coat is produced from the mixing of the Asian Leopard cat with a domestic tabby to produce splotches that look more like marble. In either case, the Bengal cat has a look that is both strikingly beautiful and wild.

Other than the coat, another distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other cats is its muscular body, more prominent in males than females. Bengal cats are very athletic, sleek, and muscular.

Temperament
The Bengal cat loves to be part of the family. They love to interact and play. This is not to say they will not seek out a soft chair or lap in which to lie for a nap, but for the majority of the day they are very active cats. Being a high energy cat, they are not for someone looking for a docile animal to lounge around the house and look pretty.

The exotic heritage of this cat makes it unique both in look and personality. Even though it takes five generations of Bengal-to-Bengal breeding to produce a line recognized as a Bengal cat, these felines have a wild ancestral heritage and some of those instincts can still be seen in late generations through their extreme intelligence, high energy, and innate curiosity. This is a cat that loves to play and will demand interaction with their owners but in a way that is most pleasant. Some Bengals can even be trained to walk on a leash and play fetch. It’s also reported by some owners that their Bengals love water and will shower with them.

Due to the wild ancestral line of the Bengal, careful selective breeding practices are implemented by high quality Bengal cat breeders to ensure that the docile temperament of the domesticated ancestors is dominant.

Common Medical Problems
As with any breed of cat or dog, certain medical problems seem to be more commonplace than others. For the Bengal, the most common health problems seen by veterinarians are as follows:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy – This problem eventually causes blindness. There is no way to screen for this problem, so there is no way for a breeder to tell if a kitten will have problems later on.

Cataracts – Thickening and clouding of the eye lens, causing loss of vision over a period of time and eventual blindness. This problem can be reversed since cataract surgery is available for cats.

Cardiomyopathy – This covers both thickening of the heart muscles and thinning of the heart muscles, both causing very poor circulation. Cats stricken with this condition can appear healthy for a very long time and then suddenly appear very ill.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease – This is a condition in which an infection is present within the digestive tract. The symptoms of this condition are typically vomiting and diarrhea. Any Bengal showing symptoms should be taken to the veterinarian immediately to avoid dehydration.

Food Poisoning – Bengals have especially sensitive stomachs. For this reason, their diets should be carefully monitored and table scraps should never be on the menu.

One medical problem you’ll never have to worry about with the Bengal cat and possibly their most fascinating feature is they possess an apparent immunity to feline leukemia. This is an inherited trait that the Bengal cat received from its ancestor the Asian Leopard cat.

Bengal cats are one of the most interesting breeds in existence today. From their wild markings to their playful and loving demeanor, Bengal’s are an absolute joy to have around the house, especially in a household with children. If a cat who acts more like a family member is desired, the Bengal cat is a great choice.

Of all the cat breeds in the world, none is more distinctive or highly recognized than the Persian. Their look is almost stately, conjuring images of riches and opulence, especially white Persian cats, but this breed brings to the table more than simply good looks. Their calm and loving temperament makes them a joy to have around the house and a wonderful, loyal companion.

History
Persians have a lengthy and interesting history. They were first thought to have originated in Iran, which is where Persia once existed. Although this may be true, the modern Persian breed has lost its genetic signature. The modern breed we see today is felt to have, for the most part, developed in Western Europe, specifically Britain. It was not until after World War II that American breeders recognized the inherent beauty of the Persian and began breeding them. Now, the Persian is the most popular breed in the United States.

Characteristics
Persians are set apart from other breeds by their extremely thick coat, wide head, large eyes, and shortened muzzle. In the United States, a movement began in the 1950′s to produce an exaggeratedly flat face, known as peke-faced, but this gave way to health problems. While the peke-faced look is still very popular, the health problems associated with it caused many breeders in the mid-1990′s to abandon selective breeding practices to produce that characteristic. The traditional look of the Persian includes a more elongated muzzle than what we see today and many are now selectively breeding to produce the more traditional looking version of the breed.

Temperament
Dignified, calm, and gentle are three words that come to mind when describing the personality of the Persian. They are very quiet and affectionate, making them a favorite for apartment dwellers. They are content in nearly any environment so long as they are afforded enough attention. Although they do well around other pets, Persians need human companionship and should not be left alone for long periods of time.

Grooming
It should be noted that while most cats are able to groom themselves, the extra dense coat of the Persian prevents it from being able to do so. Regular bathing and brushing of the coat is necessary to keep the coat from matting. Additionally, the large eyes of the Persian can cause excessive tears that run down the face of the cat. Any ocular discharge and crusting should be cleaned each day to prevent staining of the fur around the eyes.

Variations
Persian cats have such a long and extensive history and have been popular for so long that there are many variations of the breed, some of which have given birth to other popular breeds. Himalayans are, in fact, a result of cross breeding Persians with Siamese cats. Exotic short-hair versions of the Persian breed were a result of crossing Persians with American Short-Hair cats. In South Africa, breeders were successful at selectively breeding specific characteristics to produce what is now known as the Chinchilla Longhair breed, featuring a longer muzzle and translucent hair with dark tips.

Health Concerns
The distinctive facial features of the Persian, especially in the peke-faced variations, can cause breathing and eye difficulties. Excessive tearing and corneal damage due to eyelashes rubbing against the eye are also two common problems with this breed. Aside from this, birthing problems are also common in this breed and the rate of stillbirths is much higher in Persians than other breeds at between 16% and 22%. Other health problems that may be seen in Persian cats are polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Persian Cat Rescue
It’s hard to believe, but there are Persians out there who do not have a loving home. Even this beautiful, distinctive cat sometimes finds itself in need of adoption for one reason or another and there are rescue centers scattered throughout the country that have Persians available for adoption.

One such rescue center is www.persiancats.org. It should be noted that this website does not ship cats due to the stress it causes the animal and the number of cats that are in need of good homes everywhere. They recommend searching local shelters and rescue centers first. Any individual visiting the website above should be forewarned that the sweet, beautiful faces they are about to see will indeed pull on the heartstrings and they just might find themselves on the phone shortly searching local shelters for a Persian of their own.

Siamese cats are one of the most beloved breeds amongst cat lovers, and understandably so. There are many reasons to love a Siamese cat from their blue eyes peering through the dark patch on their face to their high level of intelligence and energy. From their history to their personality, Siamese cats are a very unique breed.

Breed History
Siamese cats originated in Thailand in the 14th century. At that time, they were reserved for the royal families who would then bestow them on visiting dignitaries. They first showed up in the United States some time in the late 1800′s. The first documented Siamese feline to show up in the United States was a gift to First Lady Lucy Hayes. In present day, Siamese cats rank fifth in popularity in the United States according to the Cat Fancier’s Association.

Basic Breed Information
Female Siamese cats usually end up weighing between six to ten pounds with a height of twenty-one inches, while males usually weigh between nine and fourteen pounds and grow to a height of twenty-three inches. Their trademark look includes a wedge-shaped head with deep blue eyes, sleek body, and large pointed ears. Their coat is also a trademark feature with a cream colored torso and dark areas on the face, ears, and feet. This is caused by a mutated enzyme in the pigment. There are four official colors of the Siamese breed of cat as recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association. These colors include seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac. Blue and lilac are simply diluted versions of the seal and chocolate colors.

Siamese Cat Personality and Temperament
Although very social cats, they are not necessarily the best choice for a household with children. They are generally very dedicated and loyal to their owners and love to talk. Many cat owners say their Siamese will always tell them what is on their minds and are not shy about making their demands known.

Always playful and loving, the Siamese breed does not entail the normal aloof feline attitude. They are known as the eternal kitten; the cat that never grows up. They display a more social personality than other breeds, even in the presence of other domestic animals.

They are a joy to own and even more fun to watch as they play amongst themselves or with the other cat and dog residents with whom they live. Their high level of intelligence is one of their signature characteristics. Many Siamese cat owners report their cats are able to be trained to perform tricks and learn their names very quickly.

Common Medical Problems
Unfortunately, just like with all breeds of cats and dogs, the Siamese cat also has certain medical conditions to which it is genetically predisposed. Many people know about the cross-eyed and kink-tailed abnormalities inherent in the Siamese breed, but these problems have been all but completely eliminated through careful breeding. There are two problems, however, that are still present in the genetic code of this breed. These two problems are gingivitis and a liver-destroying disease called amyloidosis.

While gingivitis can be prevented through proper dental care, amyloidosis is a much more serious illness caused by abnormally high levels of amyloid deposited in the liver. Amyloid is a fibrous protein and when high levels are present in the liver, it can cause hemorrhaging and renal failure. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin or eyes, vomiting, lack of energy, enlarged abdomen, anorexia, and excessive thirst in the presence of excessive urination.

Siamese Cat Rescue
After hearing about all the wonderful characteristics inherent in the Siamese breed of cat, chances are you are wondering where you can get one of your own. There are rescue coalitions that specialize in the rescue, care, and adoption of Siamese cats. One such organization is called Texas Siamese Rescue and is based out of Dallas, Texas.

To adopt a Siamese cat through this organization a fee of between $100 and $175 will be charged to partially cover the plethora of veterinarian services and tests this particular adoption center requires for each feline that moves through their facility. To check into this adoption service, simply visit their website at http://tx.siameserescue.org/

The Siamese is by far one of the most intelligent and fun-loving cat breeds around. It is no wonder they are favorites among cat lovers.

Maine coon cats are thought to have originated in Maine. In fact, the Maine Coon is the official state cat. The other half of their name results from a myth believing they were the genetic result of mating between domestic cats and raccoon’s. This is an impossibility, but the legend was born long ago, probably due to its very fluffy tail, and the name stuck. Although popular show cats in the late 1800′s, they saw a decline in popularity due to more exotic breeds being introduced into this country. Around the 1950′s the Maine Coon enjoyed a boost in popularity as breeders began to notice what a handsome and hearty cat they truly are.

Physical Characteristics
Maine Coons come in all different colors, although the most common color is the brown tabby. Eye colors can range from gold to green and sometimes even blue. The physical characteristics of the Maine Coon are that of a big, hearty, healthy cat who obviously evolved in cold climates. Their coats are very thick, shiny, and resistant to water. The fur on their backsides is thicker and becomes shorter toward the front. The tail and ears are thicker and furrier than other breeds of cats. These cats are one of the larger breeds and their feet are disproportionately large for their size. Females typically weigh in at around nine to twelve pounds while their male counterparts can reach anywhere from thirteen to eighteen pounds. People in general commonly misjudge their size as being much larger than reality due to the extremely thick coat.

Perhaps one of the more interesting characteristics of the Maine Coon is their voices. The sounds they make almost sound like chirping. It is strange indeed to hear such a high pitched voice come from such a large breed of cat.

Maine Coons Personality
Maine Coon cats are really just big kids. They mature more slowly than other breeds of cats and their youthful playfulness they never seem to grow out of. While they are very social cats, they are more simply just joyful observers, content to watch their human roommates engage in activities of daily living and sometimes even try to help out. They are not generally territorial and seem to cohabitate well with dogs and other cats. Their gentle playfulness and quirky ways make them a great addition to any home with children. Many owners report that the Maine Coon can be trained fairly easily, such as to submit to walking on a leash.

Care and Maintenance
While they are long-haired cats, their special coats need no more than a weekly brushing. Food may be left out, as they are typically not a breed that will eat themselves to obesity, but they are heavy water-drinkers and need a constant supply of clean, fresh water.

Common Medical Problems
Every breed of dog or cat is susceptible to certain genetic problems. For the Maine Coon, the most common problems are hip dysplasia and cardiomyopathy. The breeder from which the cat was obtained should know the genetic line and what problems have been inherent in its ancestral line.

The wonderfully playful Maine Coon is definitely a breed all it’s own. It’s rugged, distinctive look, clownish antics, and gentle social nature makes it a favorite among cat lovers everywhere, not just in Maine.

Five Top Tips For Ragdoll Cat Care
by Daniel Dutton

In this article, I present five great tips for caring for your Ragdoll Cat. I hope you enjoy reading it and learn something new at the same time.

1. Always make time for your Ragdoll
Ragdoll Cats are notoriously sociable creatures and require a lot more attention than other breeds. It is important to make [sure] you spend time with your Ragdoll preferably every day. Without your interaction, they could quickly develop behavioural problems. You can give your cat the attention it needs by simply playing with them or grooming them.

2. Groom your Ragdoll at least once a week
Although Ragdoll Cat’s require less grooming than other long-haired cats, it is important to groom them at least once a week. Not only will your cat have a beautifully groomed coat but it will also prevent the chances of them getting hairballs.

3. Don’t let your Ragdoll outdoors alone
These cats should either be kept indoors or be closely monitored if they are outdoors. Their gentle demeanour means that they will not defend themselves if attacked and they are at risk of contracting parasites.

4. Prevent scratching by covering the affected area with tin foil
Many cat breeders and owners have problems with their cats clawing furniture and other objects around the home. An easy way to stop this is by wrapping tin foil around the object. Cats do not like the texture of the foil and cease scratching it.

5. Make sure your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with
One of the most rewarding aspects of owning a cat is watching it play (and even joining in!). Playing is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your Ragdoll. Not only does it provide fantastic exercise but allows cat and owner to bond, so it is important that your Ragdoll has plenty of toys to play with. Toys can either be bought from a pet store or found around the house. Something as mundane as a cardboard box or a large bottle top can provide hours of entertainment.

Daniel Dutton is the founder of Ragdoll Cat Info [http://www.ragdoll-cat.info], an informational website dedicated to owners and breeders of Ragdoll Cats.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Tip number five is spot on because I purchase toys for my cats all the time and it never ceases to amaze me that they end up playing with a wadded-up piece of paper or even a paperclip for hours and ignore the whole toy box full of purchased cat toys.

Learn the Secrets to Caring for Your Ragdoll Cat!

Learn the Secrets to Caring for Your Ragdoll Cat!

There are quite a few cat breeds on the market. If you’re like most people, you don’t understand much about them. In order to help you make an informed decision about the different cat breeds, here’s some helpful information.

Do you want a cat that will entertain himself and not get into trouble? Then don’t consider the Sphynx, the Rex, the British Angora or the Siamese. These cat breeds are very energetic and seem to look for trouble. For those who are trying to find a cat to provide them with amusement, these are the ideal choice. The Rex is a silly cat who will definitely entertain you.

There are other crucial elements to consider when choosing a breed. For example, when trying to decide if you’d like to own a long hair or a short hair cat, think about how much time you’ll be able to dedicate to grooming, if you don’t feel you have the time for daily grooming, you shouldn’t consider a long haired breed. Those who choose a long haired cat will need to recognize the commitment to taking care of that coat. Should you not, it may tangle and also matt and have to end up being shaven and it can also present a health risk.

Vocal cats are often something which many people either think about or want absolutely nothing to do with. They may be very loud. Many cat owners don’t have a problem with vocal cats, they recognize that communication with them is essential. While other pet parents don’t feel that a vocal cat is a good choice for them.

Vocal/Loud Feline Breeds:

• Siamese
• Burmese
• Korat

Quiet Feline Breeds:

• American Curl
• Scottish Fold
• Somali

Attitude is your next determining aspect. Some cats want to be held and cuddled, while others want absolutely nothing to do with people at all. Some cats want the attention while others don’t. Selecting which one is right for you is a personal decision you will need to make as a pet owner.

Loving Breeds are perfect for children:

• Snowshoe
• Maine Coon
• Ragdoll
• Abyssinian
• Tonkinese
• Himalayan Persian

Reserved Breeds:

• Nebelung
• Russian Shorthair
• Norwegian Forest Cat

Finally, in the event that you would like to opt for a kitten or even an abandoned older cat, bear in mind that kittens have to be trained; however adult cats can be set in their ways. You can discover a number of breeds to choose from at the nearby cat show and look for these breeds at your neighborhood humane society as well. These types of cats need homes and these organizations are generally full to the brim with them.

I hope that you found this information helpful and you’re able to discover the best breed that is right for you and your family.